As the recovery minister at Hope, I have talked with so many people over the years who try to understand the point of the recovery process. I mean, most people just want to quit an old behavior and believe everything will automatically get better. And believe me, stopping behaviors that are destructive is a great first step to getting better.

But the recovery process does more than create abstinence from a behavior. It is a straight-up reconciliation with us to Christ so we can share the Good News of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. We take steps to let our old lives die and our new lives grow by surrendering our old lives to God. We find out that Christ isn’t keeping a tally sheet against us and we have been forgiven and can be set free of all kinds of guilt and shame. We move into a place of healing relationships and share the love and grace of Christ with others who think they are too far gone to receive such a thing.

This is discipleship at its finest. Not one of us walking into a recovery program has ever thought we could be used by God to share his amazing love and grace … but God knew. God wrote the story. When Jesus was on this earth, he turned many around and they walked right out of their old lives into new lives following him. They share the news about what he can do with walking, talking testimonies. No, this isn’t about a single ministry. This is about a single Savior who gives us courage, grace, and love all the way through the process.

So, what is the point? The point is that recovery is for anyone who wants a new life with Christ. No matter what hurt, habit, or hang-up they might have. The point is, we are called to be witnesses to what amazing things Christ can do with ordinary people like you and me. The point is, we are called to be God’s ambassadors and share the everlasting love of Jesus Christ.

Reflection:

  • Do you believe Christ died for your sins, and if so, how do you feel about that?
  • Is there anything in your life you need to surrender and allow God to heal?
  • How does it feel to be an ambassador for Christ?